Choi is Recipient of Wong Award for 2021-2023

Samuel Choi, MD, received the Raymond P. Wong Award on November 11, 2021. Karl L. Insogna, MD, FACP, committee chairman for the Wong Award, presented the award at the Department of Internal Medicine’s first in-person Medical Grand Rounds of 2021.

Choi is the fourth Wong awardee. Previous recipients were Saria Hassan, MD (2010-2013), Patrick Kelly, MD (2014-2017), and Levita Robinson, MD (2018-2020). Choi, who arrived at Yale as a medical resident in July of 2018, has a particular interest in caring for the houseless population in New Haven. He recently worked with Philip Costello, APRN, clinical director of Homeless Healthcare at the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, to establish a walk-in center for the houseless that will provide a range of services, including health care. The Wong Award will support Choi’s research proposal to determine if the walk-in center will reduce ER visits and hospitalizations for houseless residents in New Haven.

The Wong Award honors the legacy of Raymond P. Wong, MD, who was one of the most dedicated primary care physicians in the local community, and a prominent contributor to the education of students and house staff. Originally established by Yale New Haven Hospital, the Yale Medical Board, and the New Haven County Medical Association in 2009, the fellowship is now supported by Yale New Haven Hospital, the Yale Medical Board and Yale School of Medicine’s Department of Internal Medicine. The Wong Award is given to a graduating member or a recent graduate of the internal medicine, primary care, or medicine/pediatric residencies at Yale New Haven Hospital who accepts a practice position in an urban care setting in New Haven, preferably, but not exclusively, at the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, for at least three years.

Awardees make a three-year commitment to the program and receive an annual stipend of $30,000 per year for three years. The award is provided in addition to their regular salary.